Fortunately, when riding, I can’t tell that it weighs more than my other bikes. Some of the added weight is attributed to the battery, which checks in at about six pounds. There are five speeds you can adjust via the bike’s thumb pad controller located on the left handle. The LED display shows you how much assistance you’re getting, as well as how much battery life is left.
Schwinn has a long and storied history of making the best bikes on the planet specifically for younger riders. That youth-first attitude is fully embraced in our e-bike offerings as well. My review bike didn’t come with a user manual, so I had to play around with the bike for about five minutes before I figured out how it worked. Basically, the bike turns on once you hold down the power button for a few seconds and the key is meant to release the battery for easier charging — not for ignition.
That being said, I also didn’t get much extra range beyond miles, even after I set the pedal-assist at level 3. In the past, the range you got depended on how much work you were willing to put into it. On my older e-bike (also a Schwinn) I get about the same 20 miles of range at level 5, but I also get closer to 40 miles at level 3. You also get two different frame sizes to choose from, which is a big upgrade over the single one-size-fits-all frames that many e-bike companies still offer. Over the years, Schwinn has empowered millions of people, earning a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of riders.
Plus, the comfortable upright riding position makes riding a delight. In late 1997, Questor Partners Fund, led by Jay Alix and Dan Lufkin, purchased Schwinn Bicycles. Questor/Schwinn later purchased GT Bicycles in 1998 for $8 a share in cash, roughly $80 million. The new company produced a series of well-regarded mountain bikes bearing the Schwinn name, called the Homegrown series.[62] In 2001, Schwinn/GT declared bankruptcy. Specialized offers the bike at several price levels between $3,250 and $5,500. You can purchase Turbo Vados with traditional or step-through frame styles, derailleur or internal hub drivetrain configurations, and several color offerings.
The bike can also tell when you are going downhill or coasting and will disengage the motor to save battery power. The acceleration is palpable but not jerky or jarring, although, like me, you may be initially surprised at its strength. There are a few things to know about the motor schwinn electric bike itself in action. First, if you stop pedaling, after a few seconds, the pedal assist will shut down — until you begin pedaling again, which will kick it back on. These things do take some getting used to, but with repeated tests became expected, second nature behaviors of the bike.
Electric bikes are a ton of fun and I’ve had a great time this summer riding them. As an avid cyclist who commuted to and from the train for years in the past, I see e-bikes as a very reasonable step forward in commuting. Front and rear mechanical disc brakes deliver all-weather stopping power and speed control.